Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Delight

This Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Skillet offers a delicious twist to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers, transforming them into a one-pan, spicy delight.

Packed with savory flavors, this recipe combines the richness of leftover turkey with a homemade pumpkin enchilada sauce, creating a satisfying and inventive post-Thanksgiving meal.

Enchilada Excitement: The recipe introduces a creative take on traditional enchiladas, turning them into a skillet meal for a convenient and quick preparation.
Thanksgiving Remix: Utilizing leftover Thanksgiving turkey becomes a culinary adventure, blending it with a pumpkin enchilada sauce that brings a spicy kick to the dish.
Vegetable Variety: The versatility of the recipe allows for the inclusion of various Thanksgiving vegetables, such as roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or fresh greens like spinach or kale.
Pumpkin Enchilada Sauce: The star of the show is the homemade pumpkin enchilada sauce, crafted from canned pumpkin puree, chicken broth, tomatoes, chipotle chilis, garlic, and spices, adding smoky heat to the ensemble.
Simple Preparation: The one-pan method simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible for home cooks seeking a tasty solution for Thanksgiving leftovers.
Cheesy Finish: The skillet is crowned with a layer of melted Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, creating a gooey and satisfying topping.
Garnish Galore: Customize your dish with garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Skillet:

Pumpkin Enchilada Sauce: Blend pumpkin puree, chicken broth, tomatoes, chipotle chilis, garlic, and spices until smooth.
Vegetable Sauté: Sauté onions and Thanksgiving veggies until heated through, adding a layer of depth to the dish.
Turkey and Tortillas: Introduce shredded leftover turkey and bite-sized strips of corn tortillas, combining them with the enchanting pumpkin enchilada sauce.
Simmer and Melt: Let the skillet simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Top with cheese and broil until it achieves a gooey, golden perfection.
Garnish and Enjoy: Complete your creation with garnishes of your choice—sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro—and savor the flavorful medley.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless option, omit the turkey and load up on more veggies.
Protein Swap: Substitute leftover turkey or chicken with rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
Ground Turkey Option: If turkey leftovers are scarce, brown ground turkey in the skillet with onions for a delicious alternative.
Bean Boost: Amp up the protein by adding a cup of canned black beans.
Avocado Accent: Crown your enchiladas with fresh avocado for a creamy finish.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Leftover turkey enchiladas will last up to four days when refrigerated.
Freezing: To extend its shelf life, freeze the dish for up to three months. Prepare and freeze after Thanksgiving, then reheat after the holidays.

Incorporate this Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Skillet into your post-Thanksgiving repertoire for a zesty and inventive way to enjoy the holiday’s remnants.